Tamra Barney: We Have a “Phony” Intervention With Alexis Bellino in Costa Rica — Exclusive!

Tamra Barney has never been one to mince words or hide what she’s feeling. It’s one of the reasons fans of The Real Housewives of Orange County (Wetpaint Entertainment included!) adore her…but it’s also why things got especially awkward during this week’s episode when Tamra’s co-star, Alexis Bellino, requested a sit-down. Needless to say, they didn’t walk out of the meeting holding hands and singing “Kumbaya.” In fact, Tamra told Alexis she was “the fakest person I’ve ever met.”Wetpaint Entertainment caught up with Tamra, who filled us in on what we didn’t see onscreen — and what’s in store for Alexis on the upcoming cast trip to Costa Rica.Wetpaint Entertainment: What was it like to finally sit down with Alexis and tell her how you feel about her?Tamra Barney: I guess it was kind of a relief. You know, I never wanted to meet with her. She asked twice before and I said no both times, but then she asked again and I finally agreed. We both had this nervous energy going into it. I had no idea what she wanted.Why do you think she’s fake?I think she’s as phony as they come. But you don’t see a whole lot of it on the show, which can be frustrating. On the show, she’s harmless. But in real life, it’s a different story. Off-camera, that’s not who she is.How did it feel when she asked you to “be authentic” with her?I took great insult to that. As a five-year cast member on this show, I am as authentic as they come. I show the good, the bad, and the ugly. I’m not the richest or the prettiest, but I put it all out there. That’s what drives me crazy about her. Why can’t she just be herself?Do you feel bad about the way things went?A little bit, but when someone says “Tell me what you think,” they need to be prepared. If you ask, I’m going to tell you.Do you feel bad about telling her that Terry Dubrow, Heather’s husband, also said she was phony?Oh god, that opened a can of worms. What happened was Alexis kept pushing me and pushing me. She said, “Who else thinks I’m fake? Give me examples.” She wouldn’t let it go. So finally I said, “Terry Dubrow met you for ten minutes and said you were the phoniest person he’s ever seen.” I felt immediately bad after. I kind of tossed him under the bus.Was there a fallout?I actually went to his office and I said, listen I have to tell you about something I did. He was like, okay. But Heather wasn’t happy with me for a little while. She knew I didn’t make it up…but she wasn’t thrilled. We’re fine now though.It looks like the subject is far from dropped, though. Previews for the trip to Costa Rica show you guys hashing it out with Alexis…We had a phony intervention with her. Listen, it’s a problem and it’s something everyone wanted to talk to her about. We said, “Let’s talk to her. Let’s try to get through to her.” We attempted to talk to her. As you’ll see, it doesn’t go well. But it was something we had planned on doing.You recently tweeted that filming just wrapped. What kind of vibe is there among the cast right now?I’ll be honest with you — most of the cast is not speaking. Gretchen and Heather and I stay close. But the rest of us aren’t talking to each other. Everyone has their own issues.For Vicki and I, the season finale is pretty strong. We didn’t end it on good note. I think the reunion is going to stir up a lot of emotions. I’m hoping for the best but expecting the worst.Tune into The Real Housewives of Orange County on Tuesdays at 9 p.m. on Bravo and catch up on the latest news at Bravotv.com.

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